Is GIFT (gamete intrafallopian transfer) the best treatment for unexplained infertility?

OBJECTIVE

To compare the cumulative pregnancy rates after gamete intrafallopian transfer (GIFT) with the cumulative spontaneous pregnancy rates in couples with unexplained infertility.

DESIGN

A contemporaneous study in a single group of patients.

SETTING

Northern Regional Fertility Centre.

SUBJECTS

76 couples with unexplained infertility of more than 3 years duration.

INTERVENTIONS

Successful pregnancies were recorded during at least 3 months before GIFT and up to 21 months after a maximum of three cycles of GIFT treatment.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Pregnancy resulting in a live birth.

RESULTS

Average monthly fecundability without treatment was 0.021 and after GIFT was 0.14 (P less than 0.001). This was reflected as a cumulative pregnancy rate of 52% after three cycles of GIFT and 30% after 24 months without treatment.

CONCLUSIONS

The chance of having a baby after one cycle of GIFT is significantly greater than the chance in a spontaneous cycle. However, considering the cumulative pregnancy rates, we suggest that if GIFT is to be a realistic treatment option, it should be offered for more than one cycle.